The Seaside Secret

by Sarah Gay

The bonds of female friendship heal the soul of five heartbroken women as they band together to rebuild The Seaside Cove Inn, transfiguring more than an island resort on the white sandy beaches of South Carolina.

Widow Beatrice Khol, one of the five owners of The Seaside Cove Inn, once longed for a family of her own. When secrets begin to unfold about her husband’s passing, she is forced to face the past.

A handsome bachelor brings hope along with pain. Will Bea try for a second chance to have the family she’s always dreamed of?

Hope is closer than it appears.

Later-in-life love is on the horizon for two unexpecting souls.

Genres: Romance

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Proud to be a Cheesehead. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you are able to withstand the frigid winter air, Wisconsin has some of the most down to earth, honest people around. I passed a very happy childhood there, climbing trees, and running along the river.

Proud to be a McEachern Indian. At fifteen, we moved to a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. The warm, Southern culture touched my heart.

Proud to be a Cougar. I attended Brigham Young University, where I graduated with a BS in Human Development.

Proud to be a Cuate. I spent a year and a half in Guatemala as a Christian missionary, spreading the message of hope and love. The Guatemalan people are some of the kindest people you will meet.

Proud to be a Human Resource Professional. I was employed for many years in the field of Human Resources.

Proud to be a Wife and Mother. And I thought that Human Resources was a demanding career. Nothing has been more difficult or more rewarding than being a wife and mother. My happiness is centered in the happiness of my family.

Proud to be an Author. Writing has been a source of great joy in my life. I hope to share with my readers a piece of myself in every novel. I hope to uplift and entertain others through my written word.

Reviews

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seaside Secret

This was such a wonderful warm hearted story. Mistaken identity by Widow Beatrice Kohl leads to the unexpected kiss between her and a handsome stranger. That stranger was Carter, a man with a secret. Carter fell for Bea at first sight, but Bea doesn’t trust men after her late husband’s betrayal. Will Carter be able to convince her to try love a second time around? I recommend you read their story.

[Stephanie Thode · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author. she is a good storyteller and makes the scenes and characters come to life. I was really drawn to the character of Bea's father. Personally, I could've done without the drama of miscommunication (or not communicating at all), but the author does write the dramatic tension very well.

I have enjoyed this series and have found myself wishing I could live in that town and visit that Inn. These ladies have done an amazing job!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this wonderful series written by different authors. The golden girls of St. De Leon are wonderful characters, fighting hard to pull their lives together after terrible hardships. Bea and Carter are great. I love the letters Carter writes to Bea. I love the lessons on second chances and forgiveness.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carter and Bea

This book is a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, joy, sadness, resentment, worry, love. You won’t want to miss a single word. I enjoyed this series with the friends’ partnership. I liked how they got to know each other and how they supported every one in their group. Bea’s journey is not entirely straightforward, but then neither is real life.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret

What an amazing miracle story! I absolutely loved reading this book. It is filled with family, friendship, second chances and new relationships. This band of women have created an incredible legacy.

[JimandWendy Voitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foes or forever

Meeting someone the first time and asking are you foe or my forever. Great book with twists and turns down a sandy hill they'll keep you guessing. Great addition to the series.

[Phyllis Strobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this entire series. I didn't think I would since they were all written by different authors but each one was a wonderful story. I encourage you to read them all.

This book, the final of the series covers Bea and Carter their hurts, healing, and growing through each others love.

[David Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific series. I loved The premise from the very beginning. Each novel was unique in almost all ways, And yet fully connected. Although each book was written by a different author, The stories blended wonderfully. I highly recommend the entire series.